What make of flash heads

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snapsnap

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Dan
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Hi i have some old sola flashes and wanted to upgrade so i can get other stuff for them.

What models do i go for??

I am looking at 3 light system most prob 2 softboxes and the other to use gels or just light background. they will be used in house or small studio.

Budget upto £500

Thanks in advance
 
Hi there dan, i was in the same situation as you a few months back, i was in between the lencarta smartflash 2 head kit and the elemental genesis mk2 3 head kit, in the end i went for elemental kit and never looked back, the heads are great, well built. When you order with them you can change which modifiers you would like, also you can change which heads you want.. I opted for 2x 250w heads, 1x 400w heads, 1x reflective brolley, 1x square softbox and 1x octo softbox, plus all the accessories e.g spill kits, bulbs, reflectors,leads, wireless trigger, stands ect plus also comes in a great huge padded bag to carry the kit around in.
Heres a link to the kit i brought
http://www.studio-flash.com/studio-lighting-kits/genesis/genesis-3-mkii.html

Here's a pic using the elemental last weekend.
5194052097_fba6781c01_z.jpg


Hope this helps

Andy
 
I feel this has a Can of worms feel to it,

I can echo the above but I chose the Lencarta when i start (words a link to the kit), i had 2 heads then added another 2 but there 3head kit will do the same job as the E but do the Elemntal lights use S-fit adapter yet ?

Basicly your going to get everyone saying which they prefur and what one will do best its same with Nikon/Canon TBH.

Flip a coin and pick one although take a look at modifiers and compare prices as that is where alot of your budget will go later down the line.
 
kiteninja said:
I feel this has a Can of worms feel to it,
Click to expand...
Having just read "the thread" from that lovely Elemental owner I know what you mean!

I've no experience of seeing or using any Elemental kit but yesterday we were using the Lencarta lights (SmartFlash & ElitePro) and they are very nice units indeed. Really nicely put together, easy to setup and just do what they are supposed to.

Personally, I use Interfit lights which I bought a kit of about 3 years back now from Warehouseexpress. I was having a look at the current Interfit units today and they have changed a fair bit, I don't think they do that great an "entry level" kit now and they never really get mentioned much on the forums.

So out of the obvious choices, I'd recommend Lencarta and you'll be able to get exactly what you're after (and probably more) out of your budget :)
 
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Jonmurgie said:
Having just read "the thread" from that lovely Elemental owner I know what you mean!

I've no experience of seeing or using any Elemental kit but yesterday we were using the Lencarta lights (SmartFlash & ElitePro) and they are very nice units indeed. Really nicely put together, easy to setup and just do what they are supposed to.

Personally, I use Interfit lights which I bought a kit of about 3 years back now from Warehouseexpress. I was having a look at the current Interfit units today and they have changed a fair bit, I don't think they do that great an "entry level" kit now and they never really get mentioned much on the forums.

So out of the obvious choices, I'd recommend Lencarta and you'll be able to get exactly what you're after (and probably more) out of your budget :)
Click to expand...

Recently attended a group shoot and one of the togs had an interfit light and you can't even turn the Cell off :S how stupid is that lol (well couldn't figure it out anyway was no obvious button that said CELL)
 
kiteninja said:
Recently attended a group shoot and one of the togs had an interfit light and you can't even turn the Cell off :S how stupid is that lol (well couldn't figure it out anyway was no obvious button that said CELL)
Click to expand...

And nobody had gaffer tape......? :)

Srsly - when you get to budget kit something has to be removed. Either because it costs money or so that people will buy the better ones. If you always shoot on your own then this wouldn't really be an issue.
 
JonathanRyan said:
And nobody had gaffer tape......? :)

Srsly - when you get to budget kit something has to be removed. Either because it costs money or so that people will buy the better ones. If you always shoot on your own then this wouldn't really be an issue.
Click to expand...

No tape, but instead of faffing just unplugged it and swapped it out for one of my Smartflashes :) BINGO!! problem solved, I try pimping where ever I go :P.
 
kiteninja said:
I feel this has a Can of worms feel to it
Click to expand...

The impression I seem to get on these forums is that people who like Lencarta seem to put down Elemental, yet people who like Elemental don't put down Lencarta :shrug: But that's just how I see it, that's all and it may not necessarily be true.

Anyway, that's not important....

kiteninja said:
but do the Elemntal lights use S-fit adapter yet ?
Click to expand...

Don't know about their history but I've got both their Genesis and Trinity lights and they are both S-fit. :)


My advice would be to look at all brands, do some research and look up some reviews and make an educated decision. They all have pros and cons but it's what suits you that is important. Being S-fit is probably a key priority also :thumbs:
 
Thanks for the replies people i maybe able to get my hands on some bowens gm500 i hear they are ment to be good but only a 2 flash set. I will have to buy another for the background and gels etc.

Sounds a good idea yes it will be a little more than £500 but worth it??

Thanks
 
snapsnap said:
Thanks for the replies people i maybe able to get my hands on some bowens gm500 i hear they are ment to be good but only a 2 flash set. I will have to buy another for the background and gels etc.

Sounds a good idea yes it will be a little more than £500 but worth it??

Thanks
Click to expand...

Depends what you want out of the Bowens??

I have a Gemini 500R head and 2 Lencarta heads, the background lights don't have to have all the knobs & whistles as far as I'm concerned but I went for the Bowens as it runs from the mains and from battery.
When I can afford it I'll get another 500R and go from there :).
 
If you are spending £500. Then go for the Bowens Gemini 400 twin kit. Bowens will not let you down and are a great work horse.

If you quality and tough lights go for Bowens.

I have had mates buy cheapo kits and wished they had not. burning, bits dropping off.

heard good things about Lencarta too.

But for me it would be Bowens or Elinchrome.
Depends on your work flow.
 
For me, Elemental after sale service is spot on and instant, if your not happy, it's sorted on the turn of a pin, customer satisfaction is a priority.

Used Bowens Gemini 500R kit for a while, very very nice bit of kit.

Using a set of Elinchrome 500's at the moment and they are very nice.
 
did you had a look at lencarta website?
I use them all the time and they are "work horse" for very little price. you could heave 3x200W for under £500. but i dont know if thats going to be enough of power for you. i own 3x200W and 1x 300W ElitePro. Enough for me. Here is the efect
olivcia1small.jpg
 
Daryl said:
But for me it would be Bowens or Elinchrome.
Depends on your work flow.
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:thinking: Daryl, what difference does it make on your work flow ? If the units light the subject correctly (which Lencata & Elemental will) I don't understand what difference they can make to the way in which you work (which I understand is your work flow).

Steve
 
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